posted
I would like to use Fry Labs to check for Bart, but my LLMD said he does not use them. His opinion is that he is not sure what to make of them since everyone seems to come back POS.
My understanding is you get a photo with your results?
My interpretation based on what they voiced to me was they utilize the old fashioned method and look for these bugs under the microscope and look at all forms vs. computerization used in testing these days which I think only looks for 2 or 3 strains.
I've heard good things about them. I've also spoken to the technician there.
What are your LLMD's opinions?
I spoke with a different LLMD and they also do not use the Lab.
So why the hesitancy. Why wouldn't everyone use all lab techniques available to them?
Is there a possibility of a false POS? I wouldn't imagine so. If the bug is there, the bug is there right? or can mistakes be made, I mean afterall you are looking at microscopic blood samples.
[ 23. January 2008, 04:26 PM: Message edited by: Chia Pet ]
Posts: 85 | From here | Registered: Jul 2007
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disturbedme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12346
posted
I'm interested in hearing more answers to this.
I also got a positive Bart from Fry Labs. I was very happy with this result though because it was basically an ANSWER for me. I wanted some sort of answer and I got one.
I have no idea about false positives though.
-------------------- One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar. ~ Helen Keller
My Lyme Story Posts: 2965 | From Land of Confusion (bitten in KS, moved to PA, now living in MD) | Registered: Jun 2007
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posted
My LLMD believes in the lab and the tests & I was negative. Of course, that doesn't mean for sure that I don't have a co-infection...it just means it wasn't visible in that particular blood smear.
I just wanted to reassure you that not everyone is positive! Posts: 136 | From North Carolina | Registered: Apr 2007
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posted
I can confirm that not every FRY lab test suggests Bartonella infection. My titers did come back positive and the images of my RBCs matched the images that Dr. Schaller published supporting diagnosis.
Between the titers and the smear images, I think the test is worthwhile and would recommend it.
Posts: 85 | From Texas | Registered: Dec 2007
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quote:Originally posted by disturbedme: I'm interested in hearing more answers to this.
I also got a positive Bart from Fry Labs. I was very happy with this result though because it was basically an ANSWER for me. I wanted some sort of answer and I got one.
I have no idea about false positives though.
That's exactly what I am seeking. answers. Have had 3 Bart tests done through MDL and Ignenex.
I respect the LLMD's opinions who told me this, and I am not certainly seeking to stir any controversy, but this has gotten me to wondering.
It's understandable that an LLMD may become smitten with MDL or Igenex, but it may not be in my best interest in seeking all possible venues for results.
Perhaps the methodology is not as advanced as computerization, but sometimes old fashioned is not a bad thing.
Thanks for all the responses.
Posts: 85 | From here | Registered: Jul 2007
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Rianna
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11038
posted
I came back negative for Bartonella by fry. Although with a European lab (twice) I came up positive for Bartonella.
I have also always had a high ANA and still do but this was Negative by Fry.
I also had a highly positive Lyme by Igenx & Quest but this was negative by Fry.
In fact according to fry my blood were perfect!!!!!!!!!!
I have read bart tests are only 20% accurate and is more of a lottery than Lyme testing, so Bartonella should definatly be a clinical diagnosis until these are more accurate.
Rianna
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11038
posted
ByronSBell 2007 Wrote: My LLMD loves the test and thinks it is a good one. QUOTE]
I assume you have changed LLMD's?
We had the same LLMD and in Nov last year (only 8 weeks ago) when I requested this test he had never used it before and when I got the results it back the clinic was unable to read the result, the clinic did not even have an account with Fry
Cass A
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11134
posted
When I had my blood test done by Fry, I got both the titers and the smear. The smear came back positive for Bart and negative for Babs. The titer came back negative for Bart and positive for Babs.
So, if you're going to use the Fry lab, I think you should get BOTH tests done, not just one or the other.
Best,
Cass A
Posts: 1245 | From Thousand Oaks, CA | Registered: Feb 2007
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posted
I was negative first time and positive second time. I was told by my LLMD that the lab cannot see the BLO if you have biofilm. If negative try week or so of levaquin and then retest or just treat anyway for BLO if symptoms.
Posts: 25 | From Lorton, VA | Registered: Aug 2006
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CD57
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11749
posted
My LLMD won't order Fry tests, but this could be because he is affiliated with Igenex. My other LLMD says she keeps meaning to call them to ask abou their methods, but for now she sticks with Igenex.
Posts: 3528 | From US | Registered: Apr 2007
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posted
My smear was totally negative. For whatever reason, my LLMD didn't get the titers drawn, but the smear was perfectly clear.
Posts: 690 | From East coast, USA | Registered: Jun 2006
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lymebytes
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11830
posted
Hi, I have seen two LLMD's one ILADS one non-ilads...neither use Fry.
posted
CD57 I am pretty sure we have the same LLMD and he did order a Fry Bart smear for me which did come back negative even though we both think I have bart.
In some cases he will order a Fry test if you ask and have good reason for requesting one. Both my Igenex bart tests were negative as well.
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posted
Alex's Fry smear was positive and titer for Bartonella spp. was 1:64. There are three things that make me believe this test is valid;
1} Her blood tests for RDW [Red cell distribution width] has been abnormal since first onset of symptoms, although nobody knows why it is abnormal. This can indicate abnormal RBC morphology, mixed population, or immature RBCs. I believe this is due to the bart. attached to the RBCs.
2} One blood test indicated a poikilocytosis, which is defined as "abnormally shaped red blood cells.
3} Alex had the the characteristic red striae marks on her kneecaps and abdomen.
Put all this together and I believe it's a valid and reliable test.
Hubby's RDW always goes down to normal range when he treats for Babesia -- have never seen elevated RDW listed as an indicator of Bartonella, but that doesn't mean it isn't possible. Hubby's Bart symptoms generally become more active when treating Babs so who knows. This time around he is trying to treat both Bart and Babs at the same time.
Hubby had 2 Fry tests --
First test -- bloodslide positive for both Bart and Babs, titer elevated for Bart
Second test -- 5 months later after treatment for Babs only -- bloodslide positive for Bart only -- did not do titers
Current LLMD uses Fry lab -- did not believe hubby's negative Babs test and is retreating -- seems he was correct -- think we should have waited longer after treatment before retesting.
The pictures I have seen posted from Fry lab all look different, so for me that gives added confidence that they are legit.
Bea Seibert
Posts: 7306 | From Martinsville,VA,USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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